musings of an adoptive mama of one little tot from China and another on the way.

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

First Day in Guangzhou

We arrived in Guangzhou around 2 a.m. and have had a day here thus far. The White Swan Hotel is absolutely fabulous and caters to adoptive parents. In fact, at the breakfast buffet, all we saw were tons of adoptive families with their Chinese children. Does anyone else stay here other than AP's? Doesn't seem like it.

It was rainy and cold outside, but I was stir crazy from the long bus ride, so I explored some of the shops around the hotel. This is definitely the best place to buy everything you may want such as chops, silk dresses, squeaky shoes, books, peasant paintings -- basically everything is available. I wasn't that great at bargaining, but made a few purchases for our daughter with which I am pleased. Word to the wise, try walking away if the price is more than you want to pay. Then you'll have some bargaining power. I'll try that tomorrow.

We had the medical exam today. Elyza weighs 15.6 lbs and is 72 cm long. I was glad to find out that she has no ear infection. So her ear tugging must be related to teething. She did not cry one bit during the medical checkup. Such a good baby.

We completed what seemed like endless paperwork, had take out for dinner, and plan to hit the bed early. Tomorrow, our guide will go to the U.S. Consulate for us to finish the last bit of appointments. We'll have tomorrow free so I'm hoping to get some more shopping done.

My friend Tommy who lives in Memphis, has met a girl from China, and she lives in a town about an hour and a half from where you guys are. He is coming over there on the 8th of February to visit. She is going to move to Guangzhou in a month or so and find work there. Look forward to your posts everyday and "taking your journey with you!" Love to all. Angie Purdy

Glad to hear you are all safe! Today (Wed)on CNN they were spotlighting Guangzhou because of the terrible weather. They talked of 1/2 million people at a bus station (among other things). I found myself looking for you guys, then laughed at the absudity...wishful thinking I guess. Hurry home safely!Suzanne

So happy to hear this report! It seems Elyza is such a little sport and that she is lovely to love on!! I am glad that you are at the White Swan and I hope the rest of your trip goes smoothly! May the Lord bless you and keep you.

I am so glad you made it there safely. The picture of Elyza on the scale is so cute. Her friend, Chloe, is just about the same size 16.3 lbs and 28.5in(72.5cm). I can not wait for them to play together! Shopping sounds like fun-Enjoy!

So glad that you all made it safely to the White Swan. Enjoy this last leg of your trip. Happy Shopping. Don't miss the "Gift From China Shop" down the first street out of the White Swan and on the left! Their items are nice quality and all proceeds go to Charity. I hope that you are not too tired from the 13 hour bus ride. Boy- what a journey- you will never forget it!Hugs,Kerry